Directions
Take
Zanaflex exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not
understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse,
or doctor to explain them to you. Take each dose with a
full glass of water. Zanaflex is usually taken several times
a day. Follow your doctor's instructions. Do not take more
than three doses of Zanaflex--or more than 36 mg--in 24
hours. Too much Zanaflex can damage your liver.
Side
Effects
If
you experience any of the following serious side effects,
stop taking Zanaflex and seek emergency medical attention:
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your
throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
hallucinations or abnormal behavior; or liver damage (yellowing
of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort,
unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue). Other, less
serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue
to take Zanaflex and talk to your doctor if you experience
drowsiness or dizziness; weakness; dry mouth; increased
muscle tone or spasms; or sweating. Side effects other than
those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about
any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially
bothersome.
Precautions
Use caution when driving, operating machinery,
or performing other hazardous activities. Zanaflex may cause
drowsiness and dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or
dizziness, avoid these activities. Dizziness is most likely
to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position.
Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall. Use
caution with alcohol, other muscle relaxants, sleep or anxiety
medicines, and pain medicines. These drugs may increase
drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Zanaflex.
Do not take any other medicine during treatment with Zanaflex
without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
Drug Interactions
Zanaflex may increase the effects of other
drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants,
alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia),
pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants.
Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking,
and do not take any medicine unless your doctor approves.
Birth control pills can increase the effects of Zanaflex.
Tell your doctor if you are taking birth control pills before
starting treatment with Zanaflex. Zanaflex may lower blood
pressure. Tell your doctor if you are taking another medicine
to lower blood pressure or a medicine to treat another heart
condition. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact
with Zanaflex. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before
taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the
dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled
dose. Do not take a double dose of Zanaflex.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms
of an overdose are not well known but include unconsciousness
and irregular breathing.
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